Desperate Search In Pouring Rain For Lost Quogue Dog, 'Little Bear'

QUOGUE, NY — As the rain poured Friday, a Quogue woman continued her desperate search for her beloved dog, Little Bear, missing three days from her Ocean Avenue home.

According to Pi Gardiner, heavy rain on Monday and Tuesday knocked out the power from her electric fence. "She must have seen a bunny rabbit and run off," she said.

Little Bear, a rescue mix, is gray and white, "scruffy," about 25 lbs., and 11 ears old. "She's in perfect health," she said.

Little Bear means everything to her and her family, Gardiner said. "She's out there in the pouring rain and freezing cold — and I am heartbroken," she said.

Even her two other rescues are despondent over Little Bear's disappearance, she said. "They know something's wrong," she said.

Little Bear is a bundle of affection, she said. "She's my littlest bear. She's the queen. This dog is just the sweetest, most adorable thing," she said. "She's so friendly. Everyone she meets, she flops on her back for belly rubs. I'm just worried that she may have gone off in someone's car, because she's so friendly."

Gardiner has been searching the area, putting up flyers and praying for the dog — with whom she shares a lifetime bond — to come home safely.

Teddy Henn of Long Island Lost Dog Search & Rescue has also been out trying to track Little Bear, but the mission is challenging, since Little Bear's bed and "scent articles" had recently been washed, leaving little scent for Henn's dog Winston to follow.

Still, Henn will not give up until Little Bear is home safely. He's already been out with a drone and plans to return to continue his search.

For Gardiner, the hours are endless without her constant companion.

"When you look into a dog's eyes, they're old souls," she said. "They just know you. They have such kindness. Little Bear has been with me for 11 years — there's just something special about a rescue."

If you see Little Bear, do not chase her. Call or text Gardiner at 917-716-5358.